Strasbourg, 19/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - With the adoption of a resolution on the situation in Algeria, the European Parliament condemns the killings, massacres and disappearances to which the civilians of this country regularly fall victim. It calls on the Algerian authorities to spare no effort to carry out the inquiries required and to bring to justice all those responsible for such crimes. The Parliament calls on all Algerian political and religious decision-makers, who have power or influence over the perpetrators of the massacres, to pledge to do everything in their power to put an end to the violence in Algeria. The government is invited to strengthen dialogue with all political, democratic and civil society forces which reject the use of violence, in order to allow for the re-establishment of the rule of law and respect of human rights. The Parliament states it is concerned by the continued difficulties facing many Algerian citizens, under the threat of terrorist groups, to obtain a provisional right of asylum in a Member State. At the same time, it stresses the need for greater vigilance in granting political asylum to Algerian nationals when it appears that the latter are using this hospitality for organising operational rear bases for terrorist movements.
"Hope must not fade", said French Christian Democrat Philippe Morillon before going on to add: "It is our duty to back those in Algeria who support harmony and reconciliation". He went on to explain that it is in the European Union's interest to strengthen its cooperation, support democratisation on the southern rim of the Mediterranean and "bring Africa out of chaos" by turning the page of decolonization. "We have as much to receive as to give", he said, rejecting the temptation to close oneself into a fortress Europe, if only because the destiny of a fortress is to be besieged. "Europe has chosen inertia for too long", declared French Green Alima Boumediene-Thiery, insisting on the fact that the Algerian situation is not the fruit of Islamism alone but also the consequence of a military regime, generalised corruption and social injustice. She urged for the establishment of "strong bridges between the two sides of the Mediterranean". French Communist Yasmine Boudjenah paid tribute to the Algerian press, "one of the freest in the Arab world", as well as the combat of Algerian women. "Solidarity with Algerian Democrats is more necessary and urgent than ever", she said. Pasqualina Napoletano (Democratici di Sinistra) recommended that a delegation of the European Parliament be sent to the country.
Recalling that President Prodi signed, during his recent official visit to Algeria, agreements on aid of EUR 13 million for the media and the training of security forces, Commissioner Poul Nielson stressed that the Commission supports the efforts of the Algerian authorities aimed at strengthening democracy, rule of law and the respect of human rights.